FRIDAY FAVE! Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil Ballet Pink

This is such a great nude pale pink that suits so many people! I literally use this all the time in my kit it is one of my go-to lip liners.  If you are looking for a perfect natural pink liner this will likely be it!

It also comes with a sharpener which is an added bonus, I don't know many beauty brands that do this!  The velvety formula smoothly glides on and gives long-lasting definition and these pencils really do stay on well! I often wear it alone applied all over the lip with a little lip balm on top.  Alternatively you can outline lips before or after applying lip colour whichever suits your preference.






.

RRP. £19.00
https://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/product/2343/32757/makeup/lips/lip-liner/lip-pencil#/shade/Ballet_Pink

TUESDAY TIP: My Top Ten Summer Beauty Feel Good Tips!

Summer is just around the corner which means it is time to consider your beauty regime a little more closely.  Here are my personal favourite products that serve me well throughout the summer months and my tips on why I use them.

1.  Protect your hair from the suns ray's, especially if your hair is highlighted or colour treated.  Spray a heat protection spray through wet hair and comb evenly through and dry as normal.  I love L'Oreal Elnett Satin Heat Styling spray.

2.  Don't forget to hydrate and add moisture to your hair as the sun can make it extra dry.  Condition your hair with a leave-in conditioner, this can be a nice enjoyable pamper for yourself as well!  Or if you are super busy leave it to do it's thing whilst you are busy getting on with something else. I LOVE OLAPLEX NO.6 Bond Smoother, a tiny bit goes a long way and has such a dramatic effect on the health and appearance of your hair.  When I say "love" this is by no means an exaggeration!

3.  Don't forget to protect your lips, as these can also burn as well as becoming dry, sore and cracked.
I use Palmers Cocoa Butter SPF 15 lip balm daily thought the summer even under lip colour.

4.  If you have moles, birthmarks, scars... anything you want to focus more attention on protecting, it may even be your ears which are often forgotten! Opt for a small stick or tube in a high SPF50 sunblock to apply specifically to these areas.  I like Piz Buin Mountain Sun cream 50+

5.  Wear SPF on your face and body, a minimum SPF 30 and ideally SPF 50 to protect against skin damage and aging.   I have used Nivea Sun Pocket-Size Protect & Moisture sun lotion for years now as it so small and handy to keep with me in my bag, my professional make-up kit and even in the car so I am never caught out!  La Roche-Posay Anthelios is another recent favourite of mine as it is SPF 50 for sensitive skin, it is a lovely light fliud and non greasy.... just lovely to apply on the face.

6.  If you want to warm up your skin tone a little, on pasty pins for example, just add a little liquid bronzing fluid to your favourite moisturiser and apply to the body for an instant sun-kissed appearance.  I love NARS Laguna Liquid Bronzer.

7.  Bronzer instantly makes you feel better! Use creme, powder or gel whichever you prefer to warm up your skin a little. I like Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Creme Bronzing make-up base for a natural sun kissed glow.

8.  Use a Tinted moisturiser, BB cream or Bronzing Tint to keep your make-up base light whilst giving your face that summer glow.  I love Charlotte Tilbury Healthy Glow, a small amount goes a long way and makes you feel healthy and happy instantly (no joke!).

9.  Carry a translucent blotting powder compact with you to keep your make-up set though-out the day and blot any shine away.  My favourite is MAC Blot powder in shade Medium Dark.

10.  Summer make-up is a must so finally always add a bright pop of lip colour to finish your look and make you feel great. My favourite is a Tom Ford Lip colour in shade Twist of Fate the perfect coral shade for me!

What are your summer faves? Do share with me I would love to know!

Niki x



www.nikimakeup.co.uk
Socials @nikimakeup

Friday Fave: Pure Gold Collagen

For my Fortieth Birthday in September 2019 my Mum kindly gave me amongst many other beautiful gifts a box of ten 'Pure Gold Collagen' drinks saying 'you are not getting any younger!' She meant well!

Collagen is produced naturally in the body within bones, skin and muscles but at around age 25 production starts to decline and from then on continues to do so.  Levels in the body can be effected by smoking, sugar, UV rays and the menopause in women.  Skin ageing can be associated with decreased collagen levels as it will lead to wrinkles and sagging skin, therefore a collagen supplement will help to preserve the skins firmness and elasticity.

Pure Collagen Gold is a liquid Beauty Supplement containing Copper, Zinc, Biotin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin B6 as well as 5000mg of Hydrolysed Collagen (from fish) designed to promote younger looking skin and help support healthy hair and nails, support skin hydration and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  It is available to purchase in a box containing ten bottles, I buy them from Costco as I receive great trade value there.  Singular bottles are also available if you would like to try the taste prior to investing in a box.

Quite a few of my Clients have been taking a Collagen supplement and my mum herself has been taking it for a couple of years and swears by it to improve her skin, hair and even her joints.
I am now a convert and have been taking a Gold Collagen drink every day for the last few months (other similar brands are available).  I definitely see my skin is more hydrated and radiant and my makeup appearance is much better than before I started using it.  The disappearance of wrinkles will be next!!

I prefer Pure Collagen Gold to other options on the market as it is super easy to take, you just shake well and open a small glass bottle and take a few sips every day to promote younger looking skin and support healthy looking nails and hair.

https://www.gold-collagen.com/uk/pure-gold-collagen?gclid=CjwKCAiAluLvBRASEiwAAbX3GXZiOTiQivNm5YjzP2sz15DmvZJN0hnglv6--1szLc6eIZGHAuTwQhoCmqwQAvD_BwE




Available at Boots, Holland & Barrett, Amazon and more:
https://www.boots.com/pure-gold-collagen-10-day-programme-food-supplement-10-x-50ml-10134382

https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/minerva-pure-gold-collagen-60007021

https://www.amazon.co.uk/GOLD-COLLAGEN-Pure-Mini-Program/dp/B01N34LCF7/ref=sr_1_6?adgrpid=57182130950&gclid=CjwKCAiAluLvBRASEiwAAbX3GSJMtpi5ItPhSifgYuz2sbthG2psDh8g_XUwvvga4m3xcu5wrDYkPBoC5pMQAvD_BwE&hvadid=259125110570&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1006765&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t2&hvqmt=b&hvrand=8214572734278155808&hvtargid=kwd-307787693895&hydadcr=11228_1785078&keywords=gold+pure+collagen&qid=1576598924&sr=8-6

Friday Fave!: Tom Ford 'Bare Peach' Lip Colour

MAC 'Shanghai Spice' Lipstick has long been an absolute firm favourite shade in my Professional Makeup kit.  It suited so many of my clients as it was a beautifully unusal muted soft peach tone. I found it great on blondes and redheads and a perfect daytime/bridal colour for those that didn't really like pink shades.   I was pretty miffed when they discontinued it recently especially as they have no other lipstick that is very close.  MAC 'Peach blossom' is probably the closest but it is still not right.
So I set about scouring the makeup counters and I found a pretty much identical shade at Tom Ford in fact I prefer it as the texture is much creamier and more comfortable to wear.  At £40.00 it is certainly a pricy lipstick but a nice treat for all those 'Shanghai Spice' mourners out there as I am sure I am not alone!

The picture below shows Tom Ford 'Bare Peach' next to MAC 'Shanghai Spice'.



https://www.johnlewis.com/tom-ford-lip-colour/bare-peach/p1369830

Friday Fave! MAC Blot Powder

This has been in a staple in both my professional makeup kit and my personal makeup bag for my entire career spanning over fifteen years! I cannot say many products last as a favourite for that long.

The powder comes in five shades for all skin tones with a powder puff in the compact.
Light, medium, medium dark, dark and deep dark
I use medium dark and this is the most used shade in my professional kit as well.

I like to apply it with a brush on clients for a natural finish or with a puff if shine on the skin is strong.
I use the puff in the compact on myself and control shine and keep my makeup set all day using this powder, it never leaves my handbag!

This powder is great for oily/combination skin, professional makeup work and special situations in life when you really need your makeup to last without looking shiny.  It also achieves a sheer and natural finish which I absolutely love.

It is an oil control powder that has super minimal colour so it will not change the colour of your base foundation the more you apply throughout the day.  It simply sets makeup in place very well and blots shine.

I 100% recommend this product and have yet to find anything thats beats it.

Retail £22.50

https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13849/301/products/makeup/face/powder/blot-powderpressed

February Update!

February began in Snow and freezing cold and ended basking in 20 degrees of heat and sunglasses!

My pooches certainly enjoyed the former.







It has been a really busy month after a very quiet January, the joys of being freelance!

Behind the scenes shots...













Hair & Makeup for my first Bride of 2019, the lovely Catherine and her Maid of Honour Sophie.





Lots of Hair & Makeup trials ahead of Spring/Summer weddings in the UK and Spain.











A little hair practice at home.









A sunny trip to Norfolk



All enquiries for prom, weddings, special occasions, and lessons via www.nikimakeup.co.uk

Friday Fave! Ardell Stroke a Brow feathering Pen.

I have been testing the Ardell Brow pen recently and I find it really easy to use and great to achieve either a naturally defined brow or a full strong brow.

It is a fine tipped pen so that you can lightly feather strokes to the brows to achieve a defined shape.
The result is waterproof and smudge proof.  If you are looking to build up to a more 3D full brow effect wait for each layer to dry before simply adding more strokes.

There are four shades; Taupe, medium brown, dark brown, and soft black. I have been using taupe on myself which is the lightest shade.

Available at BeautyBay, Sally and Amazon.
RRP. Aprox. £7.49

Friday Fave: Maybelline SuperStay 24 Lip Colour

I love these lip colours!!



My current favourite is 'Perpetual rose' a gorgeous pink that is just perfect for the summer.

I literally apply this at 9am and I am still wearing it at 9pm it stays on all day and the best bit is does not dry your lips and crack like so many other long wear lip colours. It is dual-ended so you apply the colour from the perfectly shaped applicator which has a pointed tip to follow your lip line, wait a minute or two then apply the balm on top.  This will make the colour feel comfortable to wear, add shine and condition the lips.  This can be applied throughout the day to top up.

Apparently it is the micro-flex technology that stops flaking, cracking and dying, well I must say it is fabulous!

There are so many great wearable colours for all skin tones.  I have lots of these in my pro' kit, they are great for bridal parties who need their lip colour to stay true as long as possible. 'Always Orchid' and 'In the Nude' are great natural colours for everyday wear.

To remove the colour use an oil based makeup remover!

Available at:

https://www.superdrug.com/Make-Up/Lips/Lipstick/Maybelline-Superstay-24HR-Lipstick-Perpetual-Rose/p/602002

http://www.boots.com/maybelline-superstay-bold-matte-24hr-lipcolor-10151436

Friday Fave: Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask

My "Friday Fave" this week is Charlotte Tilbury's 'Goddess Skin Clay Mask'.


I must admit I have never really been that good at using masks at home in the past but I absolutely love this one! I use it 2-3 times a week. I smooth it on to my face in a thin layer using my finger tips and leave for 10 minutes before massaging my face as I wash it off.  I am left with glowing, super soft clear skin. I follow up with the Charlotte Tilbury 'Magic cream' moisturiser http://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/charlottes-magic-cream.html which is equally as fabulous!  
My Makeup even looks better and sits on my skin just beautifully after I have used this mask.

I would especially recommend using this before an important social event like a wedding when you really want your skin to look and feel amazing...this is a great product for Brides to be!

The formula itself consists of Spanish clay with almond oil to nourish, BioNymph Peptide to promote collagen and elasticity, Frangipani flower extracts that have antiseptic properties to soothe and essential oils to hydrate.  

Even better it is 'Vegan Friendly' and not tested on animals.

Goddess Skin Clay Mask.  £38.00 75ml
http://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/goddess-skin-clay-mask.html

I 100% recommend this product, Happy Shopping! : )

Friday Fave! - Label.M Texturising Volume Spray

I love this product, it is a firm staple in my professional hair kit and I have been using it for the last few years.

It is a dry mist that creates instant textured height and volume to the hair. It has a dry shampoo texture with the hold of a hairspray and is not sticky.

I apply it at the roots of the hair and then use either my fingers to massage and lift the hair or a comb to back comb for more volume.  I have used it on short, medium and long hair styles and on both fine and thick hair and the result is consistently good.  A little goes a long way, don't use too much just one short blast is sufficient.

If you are looking to achieve volume and body in your hairstyle then this is the product for you!







£13.50 200ml
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Label-M-Texturising-Volume-Spray/dp/B00J370Z4C

£14.75 200ml
https://www.lookfantastic.com/label.m-texturising-volume-spray-200ml/10915550.html

March Update!

I am the recommended Makeup Artist at Luton Hoo Hotel and was pleased to exhibit at the wedding show at the beginning of March, the next one is in October if you missed it I look forward to meeting new brides to be!



Another busy month for bridal trials, I specialise in natural enhancing makeup for your big day.
www.nikimakeup.co.uk

Just some of the many faces I have had the pleasure of making up!





Hair and makeup trial for Katherine

A lovely Bridesmaid makeup trial too!




Behind the scenes on a photoshoot, I have been lucky to have a few close to home this month and also one in the pretty cotswold village of Chipping Campden so I made time for a quick tea room pitstop as you do!

SPACE NK Launches in Harpenden!

SPACE NK Apothecary has opened its 60th store in my home town Harpenden today and I have no doubt it will do very well here.   It has a great corner location overlooking the church green and will be open every day of the week.



I was kindly invited along to the opening and met lovely Rana who showed me around the store while I enjoyed a very nice glass of bubbles, well it would be rude not too!



For those that don't know SPACE NK stocks a select range of premium make-up, skincare, fragrance  and haircare including brands such as NARS, HOURGLASS, CHANTECAILLE, BY TERRY, ORIBE, SUNDAY RILEY, KIEHL'S, MAMA MIO, BUMBLE & BUMBLE and so many more...

A big thank you SPACE NK for my lovely goodies which I look forward to pampering my lovely clients with.



https://www.spacenk.com/uk/en_GB/Stores/Stores-Details?StoreID=Harpenden

www.nikimakeup.co.uk

December Update!

December has flown by! I had a couple of winter weddings this month which were lovely and christmasy, a few shoots, lessons and trials as well as party makeup's and have been busy generally getting up to date on everything work wise for the end of the year. I am looking forward to starting 2018 with a plan for a much better work life balance and my new years resolution is to start doing yoga!

Behind the scenes on a shoot in Cambridge.
http://www.nikimakeup.com

 

A winter wedding at Fanhams Hall.
https://www.exclusive.co.uk/fanhams-hall/the-venue/



Beautiful Bridesmaids
http://www.nikimakeup.co.uk



Bridal Makeup.
http://www.nikimakeup.co.uk



We also went to Dubai for a weeks holiday at the beginning of December, it was a much needed break at a fabulous hotel and so lovely to be in the sunshine!

http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-6541-sofitel-dubai-the-palm-resort-spa/index.shtml




We visited Abu Dhabi for the day and the new Louvre gallery which was amazing
definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae

The Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi with its 24 carat gold coffee and ice-cream!
https://www.kempinski.com/en/abudhabi/emirates-palace/






Then back to a snowy and very cold England, 30 degrees back to minus 6 was not fun!!



We finally got a  Christmas tree and decorations up a week before Christmas, shopping done presents are wrapped and looking forward to a fun filled festive break.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year.
xxx